WPU Drops Five-Setter to Avila
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Kansas City, Mo.–The Statesmen volleyball team was able to force a fifth and deciding set, but failed to close out the rally in a 3-2 loss to Avila in Heart of America Athletic Conference play Thursday.
William Penn (11-20, 2-12 Heart) lost by scores of 25-12, 19-25, 17-25, 25-20, 7-15. The navy and gold were outhit .150-.044.
After dominating the opening set, the Statesmen cooled off and eventually faced a 2-1 deficit. The visitors bounced back to get to a fifth set, but the tank went dry in the end.
Claire Simmons (Sr., Williamsburg, Iowa, Psychology) guided WPU with nine kills; she also tallied three aces. Jordan Carter (Jr., Sigourney, Iowa, Elementary Education) was next with seven hitting points.
Haley Smith (Jr., Adrian, Mich., Elementary Education) assisted on 24 kills, while Ashley Miller (Jr., Kalona, Iowa, Exercise Science) recorded 25 digs. Caitlin Jamison (So., Winfield, Iowa, Undecided) added a pair of aces as well.
Next Up: William Penn travels to Baldwin City, Kan. Friday to face Baker in Heart action at 5:30 p.m.
